The Indians and Carlos Santana agree to a contract extension:

Catcher Carlos Santana has reached a five-year $21 million agreement on a contract extension with the Indians. The team will hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m,. to announce the deal.

The deal runs through 2016 with a club option for 2017. The club option covers Santana’s first free agent year.

In a Tweet, Indians President Mark Shapiro said, “Excited to get a multiyear deal done with Carlos that could keep him here through 2017. He’s an exciting middle-of-the-diamond run producer that we can build around.”

The Indians, who pioneered locking up their youngsters long term in the early 1990s, will capture Santana’s prime at a low price. Shapiro’s comment is excellent, as Cleveland tries to build a strong team up the middle.

I’m sure Carlos feels like signing right now:

Hat tip, BBTF.